European Draft Picks: Flawed System or Model to Follow?

[huzy]

Over the years I've been fascinated by the European draft system. This being the double edge sword of Euro's already playing professional basketball by the time they arrive on the stage at Madison Square Garden. While two teams have shown the absolute value of "stashing away Euros", Portland and San Antonio, The Ricky Rubio saga has shown the riskier side of investing in a Euro. This has presented the following challenge: The more talented the European prospect, the larger the risk.

Aside from Rubio, Fran Vasquez also infamously spurred the Orlando Magic when he backed out of his commitment after being drafted 11th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft. Looking at the following players that were picked after Vasquez, his decison to retreat had a toxic impact on the Magic's season and future.

Jarret Jack, Danny Granger, Hakim Warrick, NAte Robinson, Jason Maxiel, Linus Kleiza,David Lee, Brandon Bass, Ronny Turiaf, Louis Williams, Ryan Gomes, Monta Ellis

This is just a stggering list. Imagine, if Orlando had picked any of these players rather than Vasquez. 

Now, looking at the Rubio situation, I'll be the first person to criticize David Kahn. Frankly, I think he is more interested in being viewed as a savvy owner who's not afraid to make a gutsy move rather than considering the repercusiions and leverage on the side of Rubio's camp. More drastic about this decision is the fact that Minnesota sacrificed two of their higher tiered assets in Mike Miller and Randy Foye to watch Ricky play in Spain for the next two seasons. Of course if they can convince another team (Hello Knicks) to bowl them over, this is a moot point and I'll applaud Kahn.

Without going too far into detail here, I wanted to pose the following questions

-Should David Stern start addressing the leverage of European prospects in the Draft processs?

-Is it the league's responsibility to mandate or is up to the owners to practice due diligence in these sitautions?

-Where teams also have the benefit of "stashing Euros" who are drafted in the second round (Ginobili, Rudy Fernandez, Taigo Splitter), is this a two way street that benefits both parties with an understood risk on both ends?

             

[Mr October]

Sadly, it is what it is... a risk. A team better do their research before drafting a foreign player in the lottery. Minnesota was foolish for drafting 2 PGs in the lottery.

In the late first or 2nd round, it is totally worth stashing Euros. The odds are slim for any player (US or foreign) to fully pan out at that point anyway.

[guava_wrench]

I really don't see the problem with the Rubio situation. Minny is better off getting him under contract when he is 21 than 19.

The only flaw I see in the system is the rookie salary structure. If a Euro is already established and making good money abroad, they might not be willing to take a pay cut to play in the NBA. Such players need to be drafted in the second round in order to get a good contract.

Also, is it possible for a 1st round rookie to only sign a one year contract? Imagine coming as an established player in Europe and being forced into a rookie deal for 4 years with your only choices being staying with the NBA team or retiring.

I don't see what Rubio's leverage is here. He is stuck in a bad contract in Spain and has to play it out or pay a ridiculous buyout fee.

The only potential problem for Minny is if Rubio is offered a contract in 2 years that they can't match due to the rookie salary limitations.

[GKC]

This is not about drafting Euro's. Rubio was an exception just because of his enormous contract.

Most importantly, this is something any player can do, not just Euro's. Anyone remember Danny Ferry?